Geometric Ltd., a specialist in the domain of engineering solutions, services and technologies, said it would showcase the latest release of its solid-based CNC programming solution, CAMWorks 2012, along with its new 2.5D CAM package, CAMWorksXPress, and DFMPro, at the SolidWorks World 2012, booth #524, San Diego Convention Center, from February 12-15, 2012 in San Deigo, CA, USA.

CAMWorks 2012:

CAMWorks 2012 supports SolidWorks 2012, and contains improvements in the functionality to enable faster and easier programming, and to produce more efficient tool paths for improved machining productivity. CAMWorks 2012 now includes a new Nesting add-on, which is integrated within SolidWorks to create optimized nested layouts of Parts or Assemblies. Using CAMWorks Nesting a user can select Single/Multiple sheets, specify the part-to-part distance and sheet margin/collar.

CAMWorksXpress:

CAMWorksXpress is an ideal solution for programmers and machinists, as well as new users, who are looking for an easy to learn and easy to use 2.5D machining CAM package. It is a powerful yet inexpensive tool that runs seamlessly inside SolidWorks and provides the high-powered features required for machining efficiently. For more information about CAMWorksXpress,

DFMPro:

DFMPro is a unique and easy to use tool for the validation of the manufacturability of a designed product. By checking models for manufacturability upfront, DFMPro helps engineers address the problem of repetitive design revisions. It also helps quickly validate designs based on best practices. The new Casting capabilities of the product will be showcased at the event, along with the existing checks for Injection Molding, Sheet Metal, and Machining.

SolidWorks World is an annual event for users of the CAD platform, to gather ideas and insights for working more effectively, and for program partners to exhibit and demonstrate their products and developments.

The company said the attendees would have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of all three solutions and connect with the company’s engineers during the three day event.

Sr. Applications Engineer, Marc Bissell will also present on ‘Integrated Design and Manufacturing - From Orders to Parts’ at the Certified Partner Theater on Tuesday, February 14, at 1:00 p.m.

At the BSE, Geometric shares are being traded at Rs.61.50, up by 3.71 percent from the previous close.

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Serdar Plastik in Turkey opened for business in 1973 and created its mold manufacturing department in 1984. Since then it has grown to employ 375 people, has three plants, covering 24,000 sq. meters in total, and is soon to open a fourth. The company specializes in the manufacture of precise plastic parts and components for major manufacturers in a wide range of industries including domestic appliances, heating systems, automotive, medical, electronic, telecommunications, defense and aerospace. It provides a service from product design and manufacturing feasibility to molding and assembly, so its moldmaking workshop is an important and integral element of the manufacturing cycle.

The company has been using high-speed machining (HSM) centers since 1996, so it is well experienced in these machining techniques. Ceyhun ÇINAR, CAM Engineer for Serdar Plastik says, “ WorkNC takes the guess work out of CNC programming and it is the closest thing to ‘single button’ CAM. It has several automatic toolpath types to fit our every need such as Global Roughing, Global Finishing, Optimized Finishing, ContourFinishing, Curve Machining and Hole Boring. The system is automatic, we just have to enter a few basic parameters and WorkNC does the rest.”.

All WorkNC’s remachining operations are from dynamic stock models. These update as cutting progresses so that the system knows exactly what material has been removed and exactly what is remaining. The advantage for the user is that tool loads are controlled producing smoother and more fluid machining processes, better surface finishes and a longer tool life. High-speed machining requires careful control of the tool trajectory to avoid sudden shock loading of the cutter.

The molds cut by Serdar Plastik illustrate the power of WorkNC and the time and quality benefits intelligent high-speed machining can produce. Ceyhun ÇINAR explains, “ WorkNC has a lightning fast graphic toolpath editor. We had to manufacture a mold for a filter which has 20,000 hexagonal shapes separated by 1mm channels in 52 HRC 1.2083 Stavax material. We produced the CAM program very easily by programming just one hexagon using WorkNC’s engraving toolpath and then, using the toolpath editor, replicated all the other 19,999 toolpaths, enabling us to machine the mold 15% faster than our competitors.” Because Serdar Plastik produces one off components and mold tools each part it manufactures is unique, which could result in a very heavy workload for its CAM programming office. Ceyhun ÇINAR says, “ We stick to using around six of WorkNC’s toolpaths to do all our work. We particularly like the automatic programming in the software which helps us to avoid errors and produce the part right first time on our four high speed machining centers.”

The company is examining the possibility of implementing 5-axis machining so that it can manufacture more of each tool in one operation and also produce more complex shapes to meet the growing sophistication of its customer’s designs, helping to reduce costs and provide a better service. Ceyhun ÇINAR adds, “ We are considering the purchase of WorkNC for 5-axis machining which will give us a significant commercial advantage over our competitors.” Sescoi’s Auto 5 module automatically changes 3 and 3+2 axis moves into 5-axis continuous paths, so implementing this will enable Serdar Plastik to continue its automated approach to CAM programming for the next phase of its expansion plans.

http://www10.mcadcafe.com/nbc/articles/1/1046781/WorkNC-delivers-automatic-CNC-programming-Serdar-Plastik-Turkey-SESCOI?interstitial_displayed=Yes

turing companies are in a situation that is both promising and troubling. They’re looking for employees, which is great news when so many people are out of work. The problem — the prospective employees don’t have the skills the companies need.

Those skills are Computer Numerical Control Side (CNC) programming and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and CNC machine set up and operation. The Huron Area Technical Center (HATC) and The Gemini Group are partnering to bring back the HATC’s manufacturing program, which will focus on CNC and CAM skills so today’s students can be tomorrow’s CNC machinists at local factories.

The manufacturing program is an add-on to the Architecture, Engineering and Design (AED) program, which is instructed by Gary Mills.

“Manufacturing is alive and well right now,” said Jeff Rochefort, who is leading the HATC CNC project. He’s also on the advisory board for the Architecture, Engineering, Design and Manufacturing program. ”We had some tough years in 2008 and 2009, but things are going much better now.”

Years ago, HATC had a separate metal machining program that had students working on manual lathes, mills

and other manually-run machines. This type of machinery was prevalent at local factories at that time.

In 2005-06, Rochefort was working for the HATC’s manufacturing program, when most of the machines were manual. At that time, there were only two CNC machines.

The following school year, Rochefort had left the HATC and the manufacturing program kept going, but the CNC equipment was not used.

In 2007-08, the manufacturing program ended and most of the manual equipment was sold. However, the CNC machines stayed.

“Gary Mills had the foresight to keep the CNCs,” Rochefort said.

Today, many local factories are filled with CNC machines, which replaced many of the manual machines. The Gemini Group realized the need local manufacturers had for people with CNC-related skills, so a proposal was presented to HATC Principal Clark Brock. The proposal was written by Rochefort and John Moll, chief executive officer of the Gemini Group.

The proposal outlined what Gemini would provide and what the HATC would provide. One of the items Gemini is providing is Rochefort as a part-time instructor. Rochefort has worked with CNC machining for many years.

“I am driven to teach others CNC because there is so much of it now these days,” Rochefort said. “My greatest thrill is watching the light turn on with students. It is also cool to observe their excitement as the first part they cut is complete, and now they can take it home to show (their family).”

When students enter the AED program, they have a choice of whether to take the CNC technology portion. Before they begin working with CNC machines, though, they need to fulfill prerequisites. They need to learn a computer-aided design (CAD) program, along with blueprint reading, scale reading, shop math and other elements that apply to CNC machining.

The HATC has three desktop CNC milling machines and one desktop CNC lathe.

“These CNC machines are called concept machines,” Rochefort said. “The idea is to teach the concept of machining in a classroom environment. If the program is successful, we would like to eventually have real pieces of equipment for students to train on.”

Rochefort said when students leave the manufacturing portion of the AED program, they won’t be a CNC machinist, but they’ll know how to program and set up a CNC machine.

Students in this class will learn the standard Fanuc G-Code, which is a code telling the CNC machine tool what type of action to perform. This is the most popular code used in the industry, Rochefort said.

Currently, one student is in the CNC program and two are finishing the prerequisites. While there aren’t many students in the CNC program now, Rochefort said this is because this part of the AED program was not offered at the time students signed up for classes.

“We will see what happens with the enrollment for the fall 2012 school year,” he said.

One student currently in the program is Jay Kimball, a student at the new Ascent High School in Bad Axe. He’s currently learning blueprint reading. Not only is he learning it, he’s teaching it to someone else — his mother, who works at Huron Casting, Inc. in Pigeon. Learning blueprint reading will help his mother in her job, he said.

Kimball said it was a mutual decision between him and his mother to have him teach her what he’s learning in class.

“I thought it was funny at first,” he said.

Kimball said his concern was that he wouldn’t grasp the concepts well enough in class in order to be able to effectively teach his mother. That’s not a concern any longer, though.

“(Rochefort) explains things thoroughly,” he said.

Kimball said the class has sharpened his math skills. He said what he’s learning in the program can help him in a variety of jobs, such as architecture, construction and, of course, manufacturing.

Kimball, who hopes to work at Huron Casting, Inc. after high school, plans to get a bachelor’s degree someday.

Rochefort said while the Gemini Group is the company partnering with the HATC, that doesn’t mean Gemini is training all of the students in the manufacturing program to come work for Gemini. Students can choose what they want to do with their experience. They can work for a manufacturing company right out of high school, they can go on to obtain a two-year or four-year degree before going to work or they can work while earning a degree. The choice is theirs.

“Whichever the case, this class will teach them real employable skills,” Rochefort said. “Every company will have to teach them the unique skills (the company) wants, but (the students) will have the core knowledge.”

He said his fellow advisory board members are very happy to have the manufacturing program brought back and to have the program focus on CNC technology.

“They’re very excited to see this has not been left abandoned,” he said.

As stated in the proposal, some of the goals for the CNC program are to provide internships to one or more local facilities (if opportunities exist), provide plant tours to one or more facilities to make the experience more real, add robotics and computer-integrated manufacturing to the curriculum and install a robot at the HATC, add more advanced machines to the curriculum, provide job interview experiences and work with Delta College or other area colleges on the transferring of credits from the CNC program to the college’s program so students can earn an associate’s degree. Another goal is to have night classes for adults who wish to learn about CNC technology.

“We’ve had some interest from adults already,” Brock said. “There’s a large need to retrain displaced workers and those who want to advance in their current jobs.”

He said this will help keep today’s working adults employed in the Thumb, so they don’t have to move.

Brock said he was very excited about the Gemini Group’s proposal to bring back the manufacturing program and to make it current to meet manufacturer’s needs.

“We thought it was a wonderful opportunity for our students,” he said. “We didn’t have enough students to justify hiring a teacher and restarting the manufacturing program, but with a business backup, it makes it much more appealing. We always look forward to business partnerships that can help the future workforce.”

Brock said while not all students will go from the manufacturing program right into a job, it’s great to be able to train students to do so. Perhaps the more exciting aspect is being able to train students for jobs that are right in their backyard, so even if they do go to college, they can return to the Thumb for a job.

“Let’s keep our kids at home so they don’t have to go someplace else,” he said.

Traci L. Weisenbach • (989) 269-6461.

http://www.michigansthumb.com/articles/2011/11/26/news/local_news/doc4ed05710bd31e826437910.txt

Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing software BobCAD-CAM, Inc has released their latest CAM machining software add-in for SolidWorks design software users. The new BobCAM V2 CAM add-in continues to streamline the design and manufacturing process by keeping everything integrated into one software product.

SolidWorks users who machine parts can now take advantage of new CNC Lathe features for programming their lathe toolpath and creating the G-Code program right within SolidWorks. Being that the new Lathe module has been added, this allows the user to select solid models as their geometry without the need for wireframe profiles for roughing. This works just like the BobCAM Mill module. For example, if the operator is using a lathe groove feature, the system will detect the grooves in the part automatically and if they are using an internal roughing feature, the system will detect the internal areas, etc. Thus, making the selection process simple in the creation of toolpath.

Another major addition is that virtual simulation has been added to the system internally. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to launch an external simulation process as everything is now fully integrated. The new release also addresses milling by adding the ability to create multiple setups. This means the operator can now work on all sides of the part within one single part file. In addition to this, the ability to modify and customize start points for profile milling has been added.

For more information on the new BobCAM for SolidWorks V2 CAM add-In contact BobCAD-CAM directly at 866-408-3226 or 727-683-2101 or visit http://www.bobcad.com.

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. Almost every company that is producing the car in service generally works with CNC programming it. The basic function of CNC programming service is a CNC machine is running.

CNC is an automated, precise and consistent motion control mechanism. Previously, most of the distributor needs someone to make sure it is aligned properly and made sure that repeats a certain function, which is required for the machine.

If a better explanation, I’m going to use the site, for example, I have studied this information is used to make things a little ‘clearer. Holes in the machine is used, this is a repetitive motion, but the person is a holder of the machine holes in a row and make sure it remains in line drill. A person has a duty to do something at every step. However, a person can do very little, and with increasing production, so a lot of “holes” so to speak, and ultimately, it is difficult to keep the operator. In order to create more manufacturing, CNC programming and set up a service can be added. CNC can not do everything that the operator would be required to do. When the machine is set and activated, can present themselves as actors, CNC is so easy to drive, operators tend to get bored during the long-productions.

The CNC can, of course, much more complex operations that require much higher levels. CNC Programming Services can improve the automation of most operator intervention time can be reduced or eliminated all together to do other things. The second advantage is that the CNC programming services and technology is consistent, accurate, and once the program is verified, the machine will operate efficiently and consistently, regardless of the number of workpieces to be submitted . A third benefit offered by most forms of CNC machine tools is flexibility. Since these machines running programs, run a different room is almost as easy as loading a different program. Once the program has been verified and executed by a production cycle that can be easily removed the next time the game will run. This leads to another advantage, rapid change.

Since these machines are very easy to install and run, and since programs can be easily loaded, they allow very short preparation time.

Instead of using purely mechanical devices to cause the movement is so necessary in most conventional machine tools, CNC machines are used to control the movement of a revolutionary. All forms of CNC equipment have two or more directions of motion, called axes. These axes can be accurately and automatically positioned throughout the trip. For more information on CNC programming services, there is little information about it online.

SolutionWare Corporation (San Jose, CA) recently announced the release of its new integrated Solid-Verify module. According to the company, it is designed to verify CNC programs on the computer before putting them on the machine. It shows cuts, rapid crashes, tools and holders, differently shaped tools, and user-defined tools on the computer before going to the CNC. Coupled with MazaCAM CAD/CAM software, integrated Solid-Verify makes it possible for users of all generations of Mazatrol controls — from legacy to the very latest — to perform solid verification for 3D mill, 2-axis lathe, and live Y-axis applications.

http://www.mbtmag.com/Content.aspx?id=2447

Geoometric Technologies (Scottsdale, AZ) has announced the release of CAMWorks® 2011, the latest version of its solid-based CNC programming solution. CAMWorks 2011 is intended to be a more focused upgrade in the CAMWorks line and provide significant new capabilities including enhanced automation, improved knowledge-based machining information, smarter tool paths, and more. CAMWorks 2011 introduces VoluMill® the toolpath plug-in engine for high speed milling for 2.5 axis and 3 axis roughing operations. It is ideal for prismatic parts and complex 3-D shapes as its algorithms result in more intelligent toolpaths to machine pockets, slots, and arbitrary shapes. It can be used with any material, including the hardest metals. The result is increased efficiency and utilization of machines, tools, labor, and materials.

http://www.mbtmag.com/Content.aspx?id=2121

Gibbs and Associates, developer of GibbsCAM^® software for programming CNC machine tools and a Cimatron company, today congratulated GibbsCAM user Center Rock on its significant role in the October 2010 rescue of 33 trapped Chilean miners: Center Rock’s Low Profile (LP) Hole Opener drills – which were produced with machine tools programmed with GibbsCAM – shortened the rescue effort by two and a half months.

Center Rock Inc., of Berlin, PA, has been using GibbsCAM for almost six years. The air drill maker has significantly reduced expenses with multi-task machines programmed by GibbsCAM, eliminating the cost of fixtures and the time and cost of handling and multiple set-ups. Other key reasons for using GibbsCAM include its ease of use and its ability to program all configurations of CNC machining centers, turning centers, mill-turn and multi-task machine (MTM) tools.

Center Rock has been using the GibbsCAM mill-turn and 3-axis milling modules since 2005, and GibbsCAM rotary milling and advanced MTM modules since 2006. The integrated GibbsCAM modules open SolidWorks CAD models directly, so that Center Rock programmers can use and manipulate engineers’ solid-model geometry to program their seven CNCs. For turning operations, Center Rock uses three Doosan 2-axis lathes: a Puma 300, a Puma 400 and a Puma 480. Three-axis milling and rotary milling is done on two Mazak horizontal machining centers, while parts with complex geometry and parts that would otherwise require multiple set-ups on lathes and machining centers are made with two Doosan Puma MX2500 multi-task machine tools.

Unlike the drills used by the two other drillers attempting to reach the Chilean miners trapped 2,067 feet below the surface, Center Rock’s drills use highly compressed air instead of fluids to drive drill bits and clear rock fragments. Other drills grind through rock, typically with roller cone bits, flushing and clearing the ground rock away from drill bits with water or other fluids. A Center Rock drill, representing newer technology, uses multiple pneumatic hammers, each steadily pounding a drill bit to crush rock as the drill rotates, much like a group of rotating jack hammers. In addition to driving the hammers, the compressed air is circulated to blow rock flakes and dust upward away from the bits. These newer DTH (down the hole) drills cut through hard rock much faster than older, fluid-operated systems.

In the Chilean miner rescue, Center Rock used three drill sizes to reach the 33 miners 2,067 feet below the surface. The first was their 5.5 x 12 QL 120 hole opener, used to widen one of the ventilation holes from its 5.5 inch diameter to a 12 inch diameter that larger drills could use as a guide or pilot hole. The second and third were LP (low profile) drills of 28 inch diameter and 26 inch diameter, respectively, both configured as hole openers, and each using four pneumatic hammers and four, 7-7/8 inch diameter, tungsten steel drill bits.

Among the machined components for the LP drills are the flange and receivers at the top, the flat plates, the chucks for the hammers, and a long, serrated pilot or “nose.” However, the hardest parts and those with the most complex geometry are the LP drill bits, which Center Rock manufactures with various face shapes for specific applications. In addition to turning operations, areas of each bit may require flat, contour, radial or axial milling, and each bit may require various holes at different angles. These features, combined, lend themselves well to multi-task machining. With GibbsCAM MTM software and the Doosan MX2500, Center Rock programmers and machinists make each bit in a single set-up, eliminating the cost of fixtures and the time and cost of handling and multiple set-ups.

Because GibbsCAM integrates all operations, the CNC programmer stays within the same user interface, without having to exit an active module to initiate another, when programming mill-turn or MTM. All operations – turning, milling, drilling, and non-cutting motion, such as tool changes, turret motion and transfers between spindles – are executed within the same interface. GibbsCAM MTM provides automated and interactive ways to insert syncs (wait codes) and displays flows for each tool group side by side, making it easy for the programmer to optimize the toolpath. It also includes toolpath verification with dynamic display of tool motion and material removal, so the programmer can verify the toolpath whenever he wants: after each operation as it is completed, after a group of operations, or when the entire toolpath is completed.

Much as Center Rock used its own technology and expertise to cut in half the time to rescue the 33 miners – from five months to two and a half – Center Rock programmers and machinists speed up production of drills and drill bits every day, using GibbsCAM to drive their Mazak machining centers, Doosan Puma lathes and MX2500 MTM machines.

For more information about GibbsCAM, or to locate your local GibbsCAM reseller, call 1-800-654-9399, or email Email Contact. Information about GibbsCAM is also available at the company’s website, www.GibbsCAM.com.

Brandon Fisher, Center Rock founder and CEO (left), with Richard Soppe, down-hole-drill project manager, and their worn 26” Low Profile drill that made the final bore to the Chilean miners, 2,067 feet below the surface.

Center Rock uses GibbsCAM to program all their CNC machine tools, including their Doosan MX2500 multi-task machines, which are used to machine complex parts and all Low Profile drill bits. Here, GibbsCAM Cut Part Rendering displays multiple views of toolpath for machining the 7-7/8” LP drill bits loaded on the 26” and 28” LP drills.

http://www10.mcadcafe.com/nbc/articles/1/885990/Chilean-Miner-Rescue-Drills-Made-with-CNCs-Programmed-by-GibbsCAM?interstitial_displayed=Yes

Geometric Technologies offers CAMWorks 2011, a solid-based CNC programming solution. New capabilities include improved knowledge-based machining information, a new electrode design solution for the mold and die industry and smarter toolpaths. The technologies that enable automation of NC programming have also been enhanced.

For example, Feature Recognition, which is used to automatically identify areas to be machined, has been upgraded to find more features while decreasing computation times. The proprietary Technology Database (TechDB), used to store and apply knowledge-based machining information, has been enhanced to simplify the process of creating best machining practices. The improved interaction will result in greater use of the knowledge-based machining capabilities of CAMWorks and will reduce potential errors in machining information, the company says.

A number of user interfaces have been modified to make learning and using the software easier, the company says, adding that it also minimizes overlapping into the graphics area.

For the mold and die industry, the company offers ElectrodeWorks, an electrode design solution that automates virtually all aspects of extraction, design, management, documentation and manufacturing of EDM electrodes. This new product will guide the user through the electrode design and production process. Electrodes are designed through a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use interface, the company says.

CAMWorks 2011 also introduces VoluMill ultra high-performance tool paths for two- and three-axis high speed milling. VoluMill is designed to decrease programming and cycle times while improving cutting tool life.

CAMWorks/Geometric Technologies, Inc., call 480-367-0132, or search mmsonline.com/suppliers

EDITOR EMILY K. TUDOR, etudor@mmsonline.com

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